New archaeological research has disproved one of the world’s most famous historical narratives – the environmental cautionary tale that claimed that the ancient civilisation of Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean collapsed because the islanders destroyed its ecosystem. The research instead reveals how that civilisation thrived through tenacity and innovationContinue Reading
A cholesterol-lowering drug may slow the progression of eye disease in people with diabetes, new research suggests. Diabetes can cause damage to the small blood vessels at the back of the eye, a condition called diabetic retinopathy which is among the top five causes of sight loss across the world.Continue Reading
Scientists say they have debunked the theory that dinosaur fossils inspired the myth of the griffin. According to legends dating back as far as the 4th millennium BC, the griffin, or gryphon, was a fabulous creature with a raptorial bird head and wings on a lion’s body. And for moreContinue Reading
Oxford scientists have identified 13 plants that have potent wound-healing and infection-fighting properties in a “thrilling” discovery – with help from some wild chimpanzees. Researchers observed the great apes in an African forest feeding on bark, dead wood and leaves from plants that were not part of their normal dietContinue Reading
A graffiti made by a shepherd in ancient Greece has helped archaeologists uncover a long-standing mystery about the history of the iconic Acropolis of Athens. The Parthenon is a world-renowned archaeological site with millions visiting the temple on the rocky hill of Athens each year. However, archaeologists have long debatedContinue Reading
The Ganges river abruptly changed course 2,500 years ago following a devastating earthquake, according to a new study that raises concerns about the prevailing risk of megaquakes in South Asia. Researchers, including from the Columbia Climate School, discovered a previously undocumented quake that struck what is now Bangladesh. “I don’tContinue Reading
Walking could be a cheap and easy way to prevent recurring back pain, scientists have said, after trials showed patients who went for daily strolls had fewer flare-ups. Experts found people who walked five times a week for an average of 30 minutes each day, and received coaching from aContinue Reading
A rare gene mutation could hold the key to slowing down or even preventing early-onset Alzheimer’s, scientists believe, after they found the variant had a “protective” effect on people destined to develop the disease. Researchers discovered that having one copy of the “Christchurch” gene meant these high-risk people showed signsContinue Reading
Microplastics have been detected in human penis samples for the first time, raising questions about their potential role in causing erectile dysfunction. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, have gotten into almost everything on the planet, from polar regions and ocean floors to salt and bottledContinue Reading
The Ganges river abruptly changed course 2,500 years ago following a devastating earthquake, according to a new study that raises concerns about the prevailing risk of megaquakes in South Asia. Researchers, including from the Columbia Climate School, discovered a previously undocumented quake that struck what is now Bangladesh. “I don’tContinue Reading
